External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Irish President Michael D. Higgins on Thursday and conveyed President Droupadi Murmu’s regards to him. The two leaders discussed the role of culture in strengthening ties between the two nations.
Sharing the details of the meeting on X, Jaishankar said, “Honored to call on President Michael D. Higgins in Dublin this evening. Conveyed the warm regards of President Droupadi Murmu. Valued his insights on the contemporary world and its development debates. We spoke of the role of culture in strengthening nationhood.”
Jaishankar is on an official visit to the United Kingdom and Ireland from March 4 to March 9. During the Irish leg of his visit, from March 6-7, the external affairs minister will be meeting with his Irish counterpart, Simon Harris, other dignitaries, and members of the Indian community, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
India and Ireland share friendly bilateral relations based on shared democratic values, cultural ties, and growing economic engagements. India-Ireland interactions date back to the 19th century when a significant number of Irishmen joined the British Civil Service, as well as the medical, engineering, and army services, the MEA observed.
Ireland extended aid to India during the COVID-19 pandemic under the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (EU-ECHO) mechanism. Ireland sent emergency medical assistance, including 1,248 oxygen concentrators, 425 ventilators, and 2 oxygen generators in two consignments
Notably, Ireland has consistently supported India in its fight against terrorism. In the aftermath of the Pulwama cross-border terrorist attack on February 14, 2019, which resulted in the killing of 40 CRPF personnel, then Irish Deputy PM and FM Simon Coveney issued a statement strongly condemning the suicide bombing. He expressed concern over the increasing levels of violence in the region and maintained that Ireland would continue to work with India and the international community to support a comprehensive international response to preventing and countering terrorism.
As per the MEA, the Indian Embassy has been encouraging Irish companies to engage in major flagship programs like “Make in India,” “Digital India,” “Clean India,” and “Smart Cities.”
